WSR 24-05-022
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
(Board of Nursing)
[Filed February 9, 2024, 1:28 p.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Education requirements for advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) licensure; amending WAC 246-840-010, 246-840-340, 246-840-342, and other related sections in chapter 246-840 WAC. The Washington state board of nursing (board) is considering amendments to education requirements for ARNP licensure in response to the joint administrative rules review committee's (JARRC) recommendation.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: On July 5, 2023, JARRC found by majority vote that by requiring a "graduate degree" to be a master's or doctoral degree and adopting exemptions to WAC 246-840-340 and 246-840-342 by agency procedure, the board is using a policy in place of a rule that has not been adopted in accordance with all applicable provisions of law.
JARRC issued a letter of determination recommending that the board: (1) Define the term "graduate degree" in chapter 246-840 WAC; and (2) provide for the exemptions to education requirements for ARNP license applicants in board procedures B35.01 and B9.06 by rule.
On September 7, 2023, the board held a public hearing to fully consider all written and oral submissions regarding JARRC's finding. After discussion, the board moved to initiate the rule-making process.
Opening the rules will provide the opportunity for interested party engagement, rule clarification, and possible amendments to address the identified concerns.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jessilyn Dagum, P.O. Box 47864, Olympia, WA 98504-7864, phone 360-236-3538, fax 360-236-4738, TTY 711, email WABONRules@doh.wa.gov, website www.nursing.wa.gov.
Additional comments: The board will notify interested parties of rule making by posting information on the department of health website and the board website, and by use of GovDelivery. Interested parties may sign up to receive board rule-making notices at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new. The board will hold virtual meetings at varying times to encourage participation.
February 9, 2024
Alison Bradywood DNP, MN/MPH, RN, NEA-BC
Executive Director
Board of Nursing